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Microbes’ role in environmental pollution and remediation: a bioeconomy focus approach

Summary

Microbes like bacteria and fungi can break down pollutants and transform harmful waste into useful products through biological processes called bioremediation. By employing these naturally occurring or genetically modified microorganisms, we can clean up contaminated soil and water while producing valuable products like proteins and biofuels. This approach offers an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable solution to waste management that reduces pollution while creating a circular bioeconomy.

Background

Environmental pollution from synthetic chemicals and hazardous contaminants has increased significantly over the past 25 years, requiring innovative mitigation and restoration approaches. Microorganisms demonstrate substantial capability for biodegradation and environmental remediation. The scientific community now supports connecting biorefinery and bioremediation concepts to encourage circular bioeconomy practices.

Objective

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art regarding microorganisms employed in bioremediation processes and various bioremediation approaches applied to environmental remediation. The focus emphasizes implementing bioremediation as a novel approach to agro-industrial waste management while producing value-added products with commercial value within a circular bioeconomy framework.

Results

The review identifies multiple microorganisms effective for remediating heavy metals, dyes, hydrocarbons, plastics, and other pollutants. Key organisms include Pseudomonas species, Bacillus species, Aspergillus species, and various microalgae. Engineered microorganisms show enhanced degradation capabilities. Bioremediation efficiency depends on environmental factors including oxygen levels, pH, temperature, nutrient availability, and bioavailability of contaminants.

Conclusion

Bioremediation represents a promising sustainable solution for environmental remediation, particularly when integrated with biorefinery concepts for circular bioeconomy. Continued research and development in genetic engineering, microbial consortium approaches, and scaling technologies are essential for maximizing effectiveness while managing environmental safety considerations.
  • Published in:AIMS Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39219757
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